F.—No. 1

10

PAPERS RELATIVE TO SURRENDER

From later advices from Major Westrup and Captain Porter, I gather the expedition started on the 11th instant. I requested Major Ropata to communicate his arrival at Ruatahuna, through Ahikereru and Taupo. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 14. [translation.] Major Ropata to the Hon. the Defence Minister. To Mr. McLean, — Turanganui, 2nd January, 1871. * Friend, —Salutations to you. I have received your instructions to proceed to Ruatahuna and assemble the Ureweras, and also your thoughts respecting this reptile who is away in the bush. Ngatiporou are at present very busy, having so much grass on hand which is not threshed, and all the men are engaged in this work. Another thing is on account of the money you offered to them, 3s. per day. They are dissatisfied, and want 3s. 6d. a day, although this may be only a little grumbling on the part of the people, which will have no effect. They have not yet arrived at the knowledge of this thing, that is, of money. My opinion is that it depends entirely on the strength of tho man to work, and when the perspiration drops from him he can eat food. If we go immediately, the people will go discontentedly, but they will go this next week. Friend, do not let your thoughts change. Do not be pained at these words, and turn this work over to other people. No, I will complete this work ; but if I fail, and cannot carry it out, it is good (to give the work to others). Here is also another word of mine to you : I will go by the road that Te Kooti came when he attacked Uawa (Tologa Bay), that is by Waikohu, so that I shall drop on Te Wera; and if I find any footsteps there, will have a good look about that place; but if I find no signs of any people, I wiil proceed direct to Ruatahuna. From your friend, Major Ropata.

Enclosure 2 in No. 14. Major Ropata to His Honor J. D. Ormond. To Mr Ormond, — Turanganui, 2nd January, 1871. Friend, salutations to you. I have received your letter urging me to start for Ruatahuna and collect the Ureweras, and also the thoughts respecting this reptile who is now living in the bush. Ngatiporou are all engaged at present with their grass, which is not all threshed, but they will go next week. The road that this expedition will go by will be the same road that Te Kooti came by, that is Waikohu, straight on to Te Wera. If I find footprints there I will delay some time, having a good look about there. If not, I will proceed quickly on to Ruatahuna. This is all. From your friend, Major Ropata.

No. 15. Captain Porter to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sie, — Militia Office, Gisborne, 16th January, 1871. I have tho honor to inform you that the expeditionary force of Ngatiporou proceeding to Ruatahuna has now fairly started The strength of the same is 170 men. They have gone away in good spirits, all auguries having been favourable. I have duly made my report to Mr. Ormond, but hearing from Captain Read that you were in Auckland I thought it advisable to write to you direct also. In accordance with instructions I have received from Mr. Ormond, I shall endeavour to forward a report through the Ahikereru. I have, &c, T. W. Portee, The Hon. the Native and Defence Minister, Auckland. Captain and Adjutant.

No. IG. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Captain Porter. Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 13th February, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th ultimo, reporting that the expeditionary force of Ngatiporous had fairly started, and to inform you in reply that your report is satisfactory. I have, &c, Captain Porter, Gisborne. Donald McLean.